Top-seeded Chapman University defeated Nebraska Wesleyan University, 62-45, in the final game of the AD3I West Region women’s basketball tournament on Saturday (Mar. 1) in Lincoln, Neb., to earn the tournament championship. University of California-Santa Cruz won the consolation game, 61-47, over the University of Dallas.

NWU jumped out to an early 8-5 lead in the championship game, but Chapman went on a 26-0 run and held the Prairie Wolves scoreless for nearly 10 minutes of the first half. NWU did rally to get within 11 points right before the half, but that was as close as they could get.

Tournament MVP Nikki Hayman led Chapman with 22 points, including 4-7 shooting from 3-point range. Linda Ly also reached double figures with 11 points, while Andrijana Kerkez pulled down 11 rebounds.

The Prairie Wolves had two players in double figures as Devan Aschtgen and Kelsie Woodard both scored 10 points. Aschtgen was named to the All-Tournament team.

UC-Santa Cruz outscored Dallas 35-19 in the second half to earn the consolation title. Dallas led 28-26 at halftime, but shot just 26.1 percent from the field in the second half.

Tournament Schedule

Friday, February 29

Game 1 - #1 Chapman 56, #4 UC-Santa Cruz 47

Game 2 - #3 Nebraska Wesleyan 67, #2 Dallas 55

Saturday, March 1

Game 3 – #4 UC-Santa Cruz (9-18) 61, #2 Dallas (14-13), consolation game

Game 4 – #1 Chapman (24-3) 62, #3 Nebraska Wesleyan (6-21) 45, championship game

All-Tournament Team

Nicole Hayman (CU) –MVP, Christina Ly (CU), Devan Aschtgen (NWU), Talia Joyce (UCSC), Shanie Cardinal (UD)